Roberta Trapani Maggi

Job Title:
Engineer, HoD Digital Literacy
Company - Organization:
Secretariat for Catholic Education
Experience:
25 Years
Education:
M.Sc. Digital Education
Universty - College:
University of Edinburgh
Nationality:
Maltese

Your organization field and mission:

The Curriculum Entitlement section, part of the Secretariat for Catholic Education, mission is to provide curricular guidance and support to school leadership teams and teachers in curricular and methodological matters. It strives towards helping teachers provide learning experiences which enhance the learning and progress of each and every child according to his or her potential in Catholic Schools in the Maltese Islands.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:

As a Head of Department for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills, with a focus on supporting educators in integrating STEM, AI, and computational thinking across the curriculum. My work centres on designing and promoting innovative learning experiences that help students develop digital competence, creativity, and critical thinking. As an EU Code Week Leading Teacher, and Scientix and eTwinning Ambassador, I coordinate activities that encourage inclusive participation in coding and emerging technologies, guiding both teachers and students to use digital tools responsibly and meaningfully in addressing real-world challenges.

Your interest in STEM

My interest in technology began in childhood, watching my father tinker with mechanical and electrical projects. I was fascinated by how things worked and spent hours exploring and learning beside him. That early curiosity grew into a lasting passion for engineering and STEM education.

My first role model was my dad, and a family friend who was an electrical engineer, now a University professor – a field that was largely male-dominated at the time. Today, I continue to draw inspiration from women who challenge expectations and shape the future with courage and determination. Even when working against the current, seeing small but visible changes reminds me that persistence matters. Their example motivates me to keep pushing boundaries in my own field and to create spaces where every learner feels confident to explore, innovate, and believe that their ideas can make a difference.

Your studies

One of my biggest challenges during my initial university studies was persisting and proving my value in a male-dominated course. Later, during further studies, the greatest challenge was balancing multiple responsibilities at once — managing my studies, work, and a young family, while striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Have confidence in yourself and keep moving forward. The road can be tough, but persistence pays off. Let curiosity lead your mind, kindness guide your heart, and effort guide your hands. Remember, failure is part of learning — pause, reflect, and try again.

You at work

A few initiations from the Secretariat for Catholic Education (SfCE) Malta include:

Dialogic Literary Gatherings (DLG): Inclusive classroom discussions fostering critical thinking, More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/implementing-successful-educational-actions-for-enhanced-inclusion-in-school-communities/

Interactive Groups (IG): Community volunteers supporting student learning More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/implementing-successful-educational-actions-for-enhanced-inclusion-in-school-communities/

Dialogic Pedagogical Gatherings (DPG): Teacher professional development on social justice and inclusion More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/implementing-successful-educational-actions-for-enhanced-inclusion-in-school-communities/

Environmental Policy: Climate change and ecological responsibility aligned with Catholic teachings More info: https://church.mt/climate-change-tops-priorities-in-catholic-educations-secretariat-new-environmental-policy/

STEMMERSION Project: STEM resources using virtual tours, robotics, AR, and podcasts for skills development More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/stemmersion-dissemination/

Code4Earth: Digital skills for tech solutions to environmental challenges More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/stem-project-code4earth/

Inclusive Education Support: Policies and plans for diverse educational needs and transitions More info: https://www.csm.edu.mt/departments/student-services/inclusive-education/

Through projects like Code4Earth and STEMMERSION, I support educators and students in developing creativity, critical thinking, coding, computational thinking, and essential transversal skills to share best practices and create new opportunities.

Your point of view

Technology empowers women by providing access, skills, and opportunities that were once limited. It opens doors to STEM and digital careers, supports flexible learning and work, amplifies their voices, and allows them to create, innovate, and lead.

Have confidence in yourself and keep moving forward. The road can be tough, but persistence pays off. Let curiosity lead your mind, kindness guide your heart, and effort guide your hands. Remember, failure is part of learning — pause, reflect, and try again.

By 2030, I hope digital education empowers every student — especially girls and those with learning difficulties — to overcome barriers through technology, guided by an open-minded, growth-focused approach from educators and learners alike.

To finish with

I value curiosity, inclusivity, and resilience, driving innovation while supporting others to thrive. Empathy, integrity, and perseverance guide how I learn, teach, and lead in an evolving digital world.

Looking ahead, one of my key challenges is continuing to balance the demands of family life with a rapidly evolving professional role, particularly as digital technology and AI continue to transform education. I see this as an opportunity to develop resilience, adaptability, and sustainable strategies that allow me to lead effectively, support others, and maintain a healthy work-life balance while continuing to grow personally and professionally.

By 2030, I hope to to drive inclusive digital learning, blending research, teaching, and innovation to empower the next generation — especially girls and underrepresented groups in tech.

The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : 
https://codeweek.eu/